Osaka is one of the main cities in Japan after Tokyo and is located on Honshu Island.
It is not as traditional or picturesque as other spots in the country like Kyoto, but it is still well worth a visit if you are planning a tour of Japan. Many locals will tell you that Osaka is one of the most laid back cities in the country and the people here are known for their warm hospitality, which means that you will have the chance to learn all about Japanese culture here.
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1. Visit Osaka-jo
Osaka Castle dates from 1583 when it was first built using 100,000 workers to get the finished building. As with many castles in Japan however, it was destroyed and the structure that stands now was built in 1931 and has also been renovated over the years.
Despite the fact that the castle is no longer the original, it is still one of the most impressive buildings in Osaka and is located in the middle of a leafy park and is encircled by a charming moat.
Once in the castle, you can check your choice of weapons and artwork and also have an observation deck on the 8th floor, where you can enjoy panoramic views through a nearby park and the wider Osaka.
2. Tour Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
If you want to learn more about traditional art in Osaka then consider a trip to Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum where you can learn all about the art of ukiyo-e which is a kind of Japanese print.
The prints are made using blocks of wood and the museum itself is styled on a traditional Japanese house. Anyone who likes artwork should definitely not miss this off the itinerary as it gives you an insight into one of the less well-known handicrafts in Japan.
3. Check out the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
One of the best museums in Osaka is said to be the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living which is an open-air museum covered in models of houses and traditional buildings.
There are a huge number of replicas of structures that would have stood in Osaka in the Edo Period from the 17th to the 19th century and this is the ideal place to come if you want to get a glimpse of how people would have lived in Osaka in days gone.
To really get into the spirit of things you can even dress up in period garb and walk around the complex dressed in a traditional Japanese outfit like a kimono.
4. Explore Sumiyoshi Shrine
Sumiyoshi Shrine has the claim to fame of being one of the oldest Shinto shrines not only in Osaka but also in wider Japan. The shrine was built over 1,800 years ago and it is said to be one of the prettiest Shinto shrines of its kind thanks to its ornate architecture and dainty design features.
As well as the actual shrine you will also find a park here which features a bridge that stretches over a glassy pond.
5. Ascend the Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is one of the main landmarks in Osaka and you can see it from all over town. The building soars to a height of 173 meters and it has an observatory which is located on the 39th floor which is known as the Garden Observatory.
This is one of the famous floating gardens for which Japan is well known and you can come here to check out this hanging garden which is filled with local flowers and plants.
6. Watch a show at the National Bunraku Theater
The National Bunraku Theater is the place to come if you want to check out the Japanese art of bunraku. This is a kind of puppet theater that would have started out life in the Edo Period, and you can now come here to watch a performance in person.
Bunraku features large puppets that are operated by as many as three puppeteers and tell the story of Japanese epics and legends from the 17th and 18th centuries. Fortunately, there is also an English translation on offer so that you can work out what is going on.
7. Go out in Dotonbori
Dotonbori is known is Osaka as the place to come if you want to go out and enjoy the best of the city. This part of Osaka is the central hub of bars, restaurants, and cafes, and you can come here in the evening to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Many of the cafes and restaurants here also have their own roof terraces and this means that you can sit out, listen to some live music and look out across twinkling Osaka at the same time.
8. Visit Osaka Aquarium
Osaka Aquarium is also known as Kaiyukan and is located inside Tempozan Harbor Village that backs on to Osaka Bay. This is one of the largest aquariums in Japan and has eight floors of exhibits which include a plethora of marine life such as whale sharks, otters, dolphins, and turtles.
There is also one main tank in the aquarium which is some nine meters in length and is a riot of color thanks to the tropical fish and other marine animals like seahorses that bob around inside.
9. Go shopping in Shinsaibashi
Locals will tell you that the best place to go shopping in Osaka is in the Shinsaibashi District which sells pretty much anything and everything.
This part of town is a collection of arcades which means that this is a good place to come on a rainy day and you will find items such as souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and household objects.
If you want some gifts or mementos of your time in Osaka then this is the best place to come and shop up a storm.
10. Try the local food
Osaka is known in Japan for being something of a foodie paradise so if you like to eat then you have come to the right place! Some of the highlights here include the Okonomiyaki which is a kind of pancake made from shredded cabbage which is loaded with a range of toppings, as well as battery which is a style of sushi which features mackerel compressed with rice in a wooden box.
You can also try the kushikatsu which consists of skewers that feature different ingredients such as meat and vegetables which have been deep-fried in breadcrumbs.
More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Kyoto
from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-osaka-705761.html
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